April 18

John 14, 1-6

Something to read

'Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.' Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?' Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'
New Revised Standard Version

Something to think about

In 2006, when the heavens opened in the Barmer district of Rajasthan, India, two years' worth of rain fell in just three days. The flooding devastated the area; lives, livelihoods and homes were washed away.

As well as helping with immediate disaster relief such as food and water, medical supplies, emergency shelters and the like, Christian Aid partner SEEDS stayed to construct flood resistant homes, should the floods return.

Yet there are times when no amount of good design can protect us from floods; the Japanese tsunami of 11 March 2011 was heartbreaking confirmation.

We all need a home where we feel safe, where we hope that we will be safe from the floods. Yet there are times, like Thomas, when we are unsure of where that may be and, consequently, unsure of how to get there.

Whatever the uncertainties of this world, through Jesus, we are offered a dwelling-place, a home - indeed, a mansion - where there is a place for us.

Something to do

Check on the emergencies pages of the Christian Aid website to see where there are current concerns and problems. Look at how you can help.

Something to pray

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
from Psalm 46:1-3

Today's contributor is Melanie Smith, a minister of the United Reformed Church in Southend-on-Sea.